Below are some resources that may be helpful to artists now and in the future. Please check back frequently as we will be adding both resources and benefit events here as we learn about them.

APPLICATION FORM & GUIDELINES FOR DISASTER RECOVERY

from 2017 Redwood Complex FireUpdated: January 23, 2018

The Arts Council of Mendocino County is establishing a disaster recovery fund for artist residents of Mendocino County who were directly affected by the 2017 Redwood Complex Fire.

Eligibility & Grant Guidelines

Goal
To help restore lost art supplies, equipment, and instruments to Mendocino County artist residents.

Grant Award Amounts & Timing
We anticipate that grants will range from $100–$500, with an average grant of $200. We plan to use information you provide on this form to seek additional funding for these awards. Funding is therefore not guaranteed, and will not be immediately available.

Guidelines & Application (pdf)Eligibility
Applicants must be Mendocino County residents. Determinations regarding grants will be need-based, and not related to judgments on quality of artistic output. Non-professional artists may also apply.

Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+): The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) has emergency relief grants and interest-free loans available for eligible artists working in craft disciplines. Guidelines and eligibility are available on the CERF+ website. The application process is quick and easy, with a rapid response of 2 weeks to give artists the help they need as soon as possible.https://cerfplus.org/…/response-northern-california-wildfi…/

The Joan Mitchell Foundation: The Joan Mitchell Foundation’s Emergency Grant Program is available for painters and sculptors who have suffered physical losses due to a natural disaster that relate to their artistic practice. Click here to learn more: http://joanmitchellfoundation.org/artist-progra…/…/emergency

MusiCares: MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. A directory of resources for musicians and other artists is available on the MusiCares website here: https://www.grammy.com/musicares/programs

Local business owners, Danny and DeAnn Howe felt helpless as they watched the Redwood Complex Fire reports. With loss of power and potential evacuation of their home looming they knew that the damage was going to be huge for their small community. So, while they packed and waited to hear if they had to leave their home, they formulated a plan to use their skills and talents to help their community rebuild.

The Howes opened DH Designs in 2011 and have been providing their community with Screen-printing, Embroidery and Vinyl Print. They came up with a plan to print shirts to raise money for fire survivors. Because they are a local business that is supported by local businesses, they wanted to do something for their local community. With their power restored and their home spared, they put their plan in action. Danny designed a graphic and made the first social media post about their project. “I made a post on my lunchtime asking if 20 local businesses or families wanted to chip in $250 apiece for a spot on the shirt.” Danny explains “Their donation was to jump start the fundraiser and to cover the wholesale cost of the shirts. I wanted 100% of the sale price going to the fire survivors.” The Howes never dreamed of what would happen next.

“At the 2 ½ hour mark, we had all of the spots filled.” DeAnn says that they had to actually turn away 30 people. “But businesses who could not participate in sponsorship bought shirts for their employees, friends and family. We originally planned to print 100 shirts. But we sold more than that before we even went to print.”

The first day of sales, the Howes set up a small booth in front of Slam Dunk Pizza. In addition to the pre-orders, the Howes sold another 100 shirts in just a few hours. They also received orders through their Facebook page and shipped shirts as far away as Oklahoma. With a booth at Pumpkinfest, the popularity of the gray shirt with the firefighter logo grew. At the end of the weekend, the Howes had just a few shirts left and had sold 500 shirts.

Danny proudly states, “We raised $13,534.00 for the North Coast Opportunities Redwood Complex Fire Fund.” DeAnn adds, “We couldn’t have done this without the support of the businesses and families. Our community came together and helped us make this more successful than we could ever imagine. We thank everyone for their support from the bottom of our hearts.”

In response to the Redwood Complex FireAn idea for all artists and those who are interested in art, as well as art organizations
I would like to introduce myself. I moved to Mendocino County in the 70’s, raised my children here, participated in the “back to the land” movement, worked as a social worker for the county, taught at Mendocino College, dance and performance classes and then moved to Santa Cruz County where I pursued other art forms, broken plate mosaics, photography and jewelry making, theater improvisation and singing. I taught art and dance in the public schools in Santa Cruz County, became a life coach, where I lead women’s creativity groups and worked one on one with individuals. A little over three years ago I moved back to Mendocino County to be near my son, grand children and friends. I also decided to work as a social worker a few more years before retiring. Since being back in town I have participated in a few artistic showings of my mosaics and photography, and lead a couple of workshops in mosaics and Story Dance, (an improvisational movement form). Although I consider myself an artist I have not fully engaged in the art community since moving back to the Ukiah area as I have been working full time.

On October 9, 2017, I lost my home in the Redwood Complex Fire. I lost mosaics, photography, family heirlooms, jewelry and many art supplies. As I rummaged through the remains at the property the week following the fire I had the idea to recreate some of what I found into art and posted my desire to do so on Facebook and that I would lead a workshop for other’s who would like to do the same. As many people have lost their precious pieces of family memorabilia the process by which we will go through the acceptance and letting go will be one of flux and jaggedness. Time is necessary to heal. The community has been amazing with all of it’s generosity and movement towards raising support. It is important to understand though that unless you personally lost your home or belongings you do not have the same sense of what is necessary for healing and moving forward. When I run in to others I know who lost their home there is a connectedness and understanding that is without words.

I would like to propose that the art community at large come together to commemorate the fire next October 2018, with a show, From The Ashes, that includes anyone who wishes to express their experience of the fire, through whatever art form they choose. I know there has been talk among some artists to create a wall with objects salvaged from the fire and this could be a wonderful project that could spring out of my idea for individuals to create their own personal work of art from salvaged pieces. What I would say is this wall, if it is created, needs to be a part of Redwood Valley.
I have felt compelled to write this as in witnessing the postings on Facebook, discussions with people affected on many levels by the fire, and attending benefits and activities I observe a compromised community learning the balance that will be necessary in order for us to heal, thrive and move forward. I hope that you, whether an individual or an organization will be able to process, offer, and allow for the necessary timing and expression of this tragic experience.

We are very aware that many artists and creative people have lost all of their belongings, including all of their creative supplies, in the October 2017 Wildfire Disaster. This program has been created to help those people and families. If you have had a home that was lost we hope this program will provide some form of relief and happiness on your way through the healing and rebuilding process.

The discounts below will be extended to any person or family that has lost their home during the North Bay Wildfire Disaster.